January 25, 2011

It has been freezing cold all week. It makes January a very long month. The couch potato tendencies are setting in big time.

In an effort to beat the cold, we have been wrapped up in quilts and snuggies in the evenings. Hot chai lattes have been the drink of choice and soup has been on the dinner menu very frequently. I have a stack of DVDs from the library and spent Sunday afternoon watching Lost in Austen. I loved it and highly recommend it to any Jane Austen fans. I also watched (again) Miss Potter. Lovely!

With warmth in mind (and being inspired by her), I started knitting these mittens. The pattern is called Chevron Love, and I purchased it last winter at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival, which we are hoping to go to again this year along with a stop at Ikea. Crossing fingers that there is no snow that weekend!

January 10, 2011

I am one of those people who's least favorite day of the year is December 26th. I hate the thought of Christmas being over, and I REALLY hate taking down the Christmas tree. After the sparkling lights and cheerful colors of my decorations, my house always feels empty and dark. So this year, Becky and I decided to put up a small tree by the fireplace and decorate it for Valentine's Day, but to me it is just a Happy Tree.

The ribbon and most of the decorations are from our Christmas tree. But check out that cute owl! He is from a kit that we bought for $1.00 at Pat Catan's. I totally love how the tree brightens the living room, and it is small enough that it isn't in the way. I think this adorable tree will keep us happy through January and February, and then who knows. Maybe an Easter tree????

January 9, 2011

Now that the holidays are over I want to get some projects going to make the winter seem just a teeny bit shorter. I have wanted to "cottage" up my living room and dining room for the longest time, and thought I would start by making curtains for these rooms. I am undecided between these two fabrics though I am leaning toward the check. I LOVE red gingham.

I have a LOT of oak woodwork that I am absolutely forbidden to go near with a paintbrush that may or may not have white paint on it. (What is it with men and their love for natural wood?) My house is old, and the woodwork, while it being original oak, blah blah blah, just eats up any light that wants to be in these rooms. So, I am going to use color and white to try to make things light, cozy and cottagey. I am really drawn to rooms that look like this and like this and this.

After I make the curtains, I really want to attempt to slipcover my sofa. During an episode of what could have only been insanity, I chose a red chenille sofa. Doggie claws are not kind to chenille, and the red I chose is more goth inspired rather than a cheerful cottage red. I have something like this in mind. Done in something machine washable since we are not a tidy family.

Since my budget is seriously close to being only a dime, I am going to have to do this in stages, but I have all winter. Right?

January 4, 2011

I am joining the group of wonderful bloggers who are joining together to wish Edie a Happy Birthday.

This is the photo that introduced me to Edie and her wonderful blog. She is an incredible mom, wife, friend and decorator. She inspires us all with her blog and I hope to add just a bit of joy to her special day.
So Edie, here's wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a big Thank You!

January 1, 2011

A popular idea through the blogosphere is One Little Word that was started by Ali Edwards.
My word for 2011 is DO. I would like to change the sign on my blog to read Get Excited and Do Things! I spend a lot of time being inspired by so many things I see on Ravelry and Flickr, and obviously all of the blogs I love to read, and this is my year to take action and actually DO more of the things that I am interested in.

First project of the new year is knitting a pair of socks using the gorgeous yarn Becky gave me for Christmas.

I am still working on my Birthday List, and I am determined to DO all of these things during 2011. Stay tuned!